Homagama Hospital introduces digital ETU and telemedicine

Colombo, July 02 (Daily Mirror) - The Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Homagama Base Hospital has been digitized, with the hospital also introducing telemedicine services to enable the remote examination and management of patients through video conferencing.

The new digital systems were officially launched yesterday (1) under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. During the event, the Minister oversaw the first patient registration through the digitized ETU and witnessed the remote assessment and management of a patient at Padukka Hospital via video conferencing.

According to the Health Ministry, the new system is expected to reduce hospital costs, improve staff efficiency, optimize the use of hospital space and resources, support data-driven decision-making, and simplify the sharing of medical records, test results, and patient reports.

Following the launch, the Minister held discussions with the Hospital Development Committee and hospital staff, including specialist doctors, medical officers and nurses, on the hospital's future development plans, requirements and existing challenges.

During the meeting, healthcare staff highlighted the need for a four-storey multi-purpose building. The Minister assured that the Ministry would consider the proposal as part of its planned development programme for Homagama Base Hospital, taking into account the hospital's location and service demands.

Dr. Jayatissa said the digitalization of the ETU and the introduction of telemedicine would improve patient management and enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.

The event was attended by MPs Anura Panagoda and Attorney Susantha Dodawatte, Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Kasun Ratnayake, senior health officials, the hospital's management, and members of the Hospital Development Committee.